3-Hour Tour – Warren, Old Bisbee, Lowell, Open Pits

A Detailed Look at the 3-Hour Warren, Old Bisbee, Lowell, and Open Pits Tour

If you’re seeking a blend of history, geology, and local color in Arizona, this 3-hour tour offered by Big Jeep Tours is one to consider. Led by a native guide, the experience promises an intimate look at some of the region’s most fascinating sites—ranging from historic mining pits to charming neighborhoods—while avoiding the typical tourist pitfalls. With a focus on authentic stories and hidden routes, it’s a chance to see the lesser-known sides of Bisbee and Warren.

What we love most about this tour is the insider access; the guide’s local knowledge shines through as they share stories you can’t find in guidebooks. Plus, the scenic views and the ability to hop into a climate-controlled Jeep with a removable roof make for a comfortable, versatile experience. That said, it’s a fairly quick trip—just three hours—so if you’re hungry for a deep dive into every detail, you might want to supplement this with additional exploration.

This tour is perfect for history buffs, geology enthusiasts, or travelers who want a compact, well-rounded overview of the area’s highlights. It suits those who appreciate authentic storytelling, scenic drives, and a touch of local folklore—all delivered via a knowledgeable guide who knows how to make the history come alive.

Key Points

• Authentic Local Insight: Led by a native guide offering stories and routes most visitors don’t get to see.
• Comfort & Convenience: Climate-controlled vehicle with a removable roof for open-air views and easy access.
• Diverse Highlights: From historic neighborhoods and mining sites to Warren and Warren Ballpark.
• Educational & Entertaining: Learn about copper mining, local legends, and the town’s architecture.
• Pet-Friendly & Accessible: Suitable for travelers with pets and easy to access for most guests.
• Value for Money: At $105 per person, it offers a compact, well-curated tour of key sites with expert narration.

An In-Depth Review of the 3-Hour Warren, Old Bisbee, Lowell, and Open Pits Tour

The Intro: An Authentic Arizona Experience

This particular tour stands out because it’s designed to offer an authentic glimpse into Arizona’s historic mining towns and their surrounding landscapes. The fact that it’s led by a local guide means you’ll be hearing stories and facts that aren’t in the usual history books. One reviewer, CraigL_S, called it “one of the best tours ever,” emphasizing how the personable, knowledgeable guide, Travis, transformed their understanding of Bisbee with stories and insights that felt personal and genuine.

What we particularly appreciate is the well-rounded itinerary—covering everything from the copper pits to historic neighborhoods—delivered in a manageable 3-hour window. The tour’s flexibility and insider routes also make it a standout. On the downside, the duration means you’ll get a lot of highlights but not an exhaustive exploration of each site. Still, for those wanting a taste of Bisbee, it’s perfect.

If you’re someone who loves local stories, scenic drives, or geology, this tour will be right up your alley. It’s best suited for curious travelers who enjoy learning through storytelling—and for those who want to see the hidden gems most visitors miss.

Key Points

• Led by a local guide: Expect storytelling rooted in personal knowledge and local lore.
• Comfortable ride: Climate control with open-air options ensures comfort regardless of weather.
• Rich itinerary: Combines history, geology, and local culture in just three hours.
• Pet-friendly and accessible: Pets are welcome, and the vehicle offers easy entry.
• Hidden routes: Backroads and pathways reveal sights most tours overlook.
• Good value: At $105, it offers a compact, insightful experience without feeling rushed.

Breaking Down the Itinerary

Stop 1: Bisbee
Your journey kicks off in the historic town of Bisbee, where the guide introduces the town’s origins—highlighting its founders and the reasons behind its founding. You’ll learn about its early copper industry, including the environmental impacts of its first smelter, which set the stage for understanding how the town developed.

As you traverse OK Street, you’ll pass by John Wayne’s favorite hangout spot and see the architecture of old miners’ homes—each with its own story. Passing the site of the first brewery and climbing Brewery Gulch, the guide shares tales of flood challenges faced by miners, adding a layer of human resilience to the landscape. Driving through the Red Light District reveals a colorful part of Bisbee’s past, with stories of vice and vice enforcement that are often overlooked.

The Lyric Theater and Central School parking lot are pass-by sights that showcase local design and community spirit. The tour’s first hour is an excellent introduction, providing a solid foundation of Bisbee’s early days, and the guide’s storytelling makes history tangible.

Stop 2: Lavender Pit
The Lavender Pit is an iconic symbol of Bisbee’s mining past. Standing just five feet from a 900-foot-deep open pit, you’re immersed in the scale and scope of copper mining. The guide explains the mining techniques—covering the equipment used and the chemical processes behind extraction—making it accessible even for those unfamiliar with geology.

Visiting a section of another pit with remnants of leaching ponds, you’ll learn how copper is pulled from ore chemically, offering a behind-the-scenes look at mining’s modern side. The social stories, including the decline of nearby mining communities, add depth to understanding how the industry shaped local lives. The scenery, juxtaposed with the industrial remains, makes for a striking visual contrast.

Stop 3: Lowell
In Lowell, AZ, a step back into the 1940s awaits. Erie Street is lined with vintage cars and old-style shops—perfect photo opportunities. Your guide shares stories about the Junction Mine and Lowell’s role in the mining network.

Passing the Shady Dell Hotel, with its vintage cars and kitschy charm, adds to the nostalgic vibe. Visiting Lowell School allows you to admire its copper-colored roof and doors, with historical anecdotes about the school’s role in the community. The leaching drainage ditch, with its polluted water, sparks discussions about environmental impacts—something many visitors overlook but that adds an important layer of context.

Stop 4: Warren
The final leg takes you to Warren, AZ, starting with the Serbian neighborhood of Bakerville. Moved homes, murals, and a Serbian church tell stories of immigrant communities. The haunted hospital on the hill is a spooky highlight (for those into ghost stories) that adds a dash of local legend.

Exploring Warren Ballpark, you’ll hear tales of baseball legends and local sports rivalries. From the nearby railbed, the guide recounts the 1917 Bisbee Deportation, a dramatic chapter in local history. Passing the old Electric Trolley Station, now a shop, shows how infrastructure links past and present.

The tour concludes with visits to a celebrity’s home, grand mansions, and a school struck by lightning in 1973—fascinating stories that humanize this historic landscape.

The Practicalities: What to Expect

The tour’s 3-hour duration makes it ideal for those with limited time but eager to see a wide array of sights. The price point of $105 per person is reasonable given the depth of storytelling and the variety of sites covered.

Transportation is a key feature—an accessible, climate-controlled Jeep with a removable roof for open-air views. The vehicle’s accessibility features, like Amp Research Powersteps and overhead straps, make getting in and out straightforward, even for guests with mobility considerations.

Pickup is offered from designated locations, which adds convenience, especially if you’re staying nearby. The tour is private, so your group gets exclusive attention, making it a more personalized experience.

Weather considerations are minimal; the climate control ensures comfort, but the removable roof allows for open-air sightseeing when weather allows. The tour is pet-friendly, so furry friends can join without fuss.

What Reviewers Say

CraigL_S’s review is particularly telling—they called it “one of the best tours ever,” emphasizing Travis’s personable approach and how he made Bisbee come alive through stories and local insights. The guide’s knowledge and responsibility clearly enhance the experience, making it both educational and entertaining.

Other reviewers note the scenic views and insider knowledge, which turn a simple sightseeing trip into a memorable journey. Mention of the “hidden routes” and backroads points to how the tour avoids cookie-cutter paths, instead offering a more authentic, local perspective.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This is a great choice for history buffs and geology enthusiasts who love deeper insights into mining and local lore. It’s also ideal for travelers looking to explore off-the-beaten-path sites with a guide who can tell stories that bring the history to life.

If you enjoy scenic drives, colorful neighborhoods, and learning through storytelling, this tour delivers on all fronts. Pet owners and accessibility-conscious travelers will appreciate the pet-friendly, easy-entry vehicle.

However, those seeking an exhaustive, in-depth exploration of every site might find the three-hour limit a bit tight. It’s best viewed as a well-curated introduction—an efficient way to catch the highlights and some hidden gems of Bisbee’s surrounding area.

The Sum Up

This 3-hour tour is a solid, value-packed choice for anyone wanting a concise yet rich snapshot of Bisbee’s history, geology, and local culture. Led by a passionate local guide, it combines storytelling, scenic views, and insider routes that elevate it beyond standard sightseeing. The accessibility features and pet-friendly policy make it inclusive, while the varied stops appeal to diverse interests.

If you’re eager to understand Arizona’s mining towns from someone who truly knows the area, this tour offers a compelling mix of education and entertainment. It works particularly well for curious travelers who want a well-rounded overview without feeling rushed, and for those who enjoy authentic stories and scenic backroads.

For anyone looking for a memorable, personalized snapshot of Bisbee’s past and present, this tour hits all the right notes.

FAQ

Is transportation provided?
Yes, the tour uses a climate-controlled Jeep with a removable roof, allowing for open-air sightseeing and easy access for guests.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 3 hours, making it a quick but comprehensive look at key sites.

What is the price per person?
It costs $105.00 per person, which we find reasonable given the personalized storytelling and variety of stops.

Is the tour private?
Yes, this experience is exclusive to your group, ensuring personalized attention and stories.

Are pets allowed on the tour?
Yes, the tour is pet-friendly, so your furry friends can join the adventure.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing is recommended; the vehicle is climate-controlled, but you’ll want layers for open-air segments.

Are there any physical accessibility considerations?
The vehicle features Amp Research Powersteps and overhead straps for easy entry, making it accessible for most guests.

What are some highlights of the tour?
Expect scenic views of open pits, historic neighborhoods, local legends, and stories about the mining industry and community.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the tour’s focus on history and scenery makes it suitable for most ages, especially those interested in local lore and geology.

Overall, this guided adventure offers a well-balanced combination of history, scenery, and storytelling—the perfect way to get a nuanced taste of Arizona’s mining towns without the hassle of planning each stop yourself.